Breast Cancer Score

04276, Rumford, Maine Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 04276, Rumford, Maine

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 04276, Rumford, Maine is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.88 percent of residents in 04276 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Rumford Hospital with a distance of 0.91 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 04276, Rumford, Maine

Breast Cancer Score 12
People Score 11
Provider Score 25
Hospital Score 37
Travel Score 54

Closest Hospital - RUMFORD HOSPITAL

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 04276 Rumford Maine
No Cars 1.53 1.53 2.13
1 Car 19.29 19.29 18.39
2 Cars 44.71 44.71 45.49
3 or More Cars 34.47 34.47 34.00

Vehicular Access in 04276, Rumford, Maine

Travel Score Review of 04276, Rumford, Maine

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rumford, Maine (ZIP Code 04276)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis like breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not only the emotional and physical toll of the disease but also the practical challenges of accessing timely and quality care. This analysis explores the landscape of **transportation** options available to residents of Rumford, Maine (ZIP code 04276), and how these options impact **healthcare access**, specifically concerning breast cancer treatment and diagnosis. This is crucial information for anyone considering **moving to Rumford**, as proximity to care is a vital factor in overall well-being.

Rumford, nestled in the western foothills of Maine, presents a unique set of challenges. The area is characterized by its rural setting and limited public **transportation**. This necessitates careful consideration of how individuals will navigate the healthcare system, especially when facing the demanding schedule of appointments, treatments, and follow-ups associated with breast cancer. The "Breast Cancer Score" aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the **transportation** infrastructure and its implications for accessing breast cancer care.

**Driving Times: The Primary Route**

For many residents, driving is the primary mode of **transportation**. The most direct route to access specialized breast cancer care typically involves traveling to larger medical centers in Lewiston or Portland. From Rumford, the most efficient route often utilizes Route 2, a major east-west artery. The drive to Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston, a potential site for diagnosis and treatment, is approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This journey involves navigating Route 2, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Further afield, Portland offers more comprehensive cancer centers. Reaching Maine Medical Center (MMC) or the New England Cancer Institute in Portland involves a drive of roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, largely via Route 26 South and I-95 South. This longer drive necessitates careful planning, considering factors such as potential delays, gas consumption, and the physical demands of the journey, especially for patients undergoing treatment.

**Alternative Routes and Considerations**

Alternative routes exist, though they may add to the travel time. For instance, utilizing Route 120 and Route 108 to connect with Route 2 may provide a slightly less congested option, depending on the time of day. However, these roads are often narrower and more winding, potentially making them less appealing for individuals with mobility issues or those undergoing treatment that might affect their driving ability.

The condition of the roads, particularly during the winter months, is a significant consideration. Snow and ice can make driving treacherous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to appointments. This underscores the importance of reliable vehicles, winter tires, and the ability to adapt to changing weather conditions.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public **transportation** options in Rumford are extremely limited. The Greater Rumford Community Bus Service (GRCBS) offers a demand-response service within the immediate area, but its reach is restricted, and it does not provide direct connections to Lewiston or Portland. This severely limits its usefulness for breast cancer patients who require frequent trips to distant medical facilities.

The GRCBS vehicles may or may not have ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts. This is another factor to consider for patients with mobility limitations. Information about the availability of ADA features can be obtained by contacting the GRCBS directly.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Rumford area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier, especially for patients who require frequent trips.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedStar and CareLink, offer specialized **transportation** for medical appointments. These services are often equipped to accommodate patients with mobility issues and can provide door-to-door service. However, they typically require advance booking and can be costly. The availability of these services in Rumford and their coverage of the routes to Lewiston and Portland should be carefully investigated.

**The Impact on the Breast Cancer Score**

The limited **transportation** options in Rumford significantly impact the "Breast Cancer Score." The reliance on personal vehicles, the long drive times to specialized care, and the scarcity of public **transportation** create significant challenges for patients. This is especially true for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, which can cause fatigue and other side effects that make driving difficult.

The "Breast Cancer Score" considers factors such as:

* **Drive time to the nearest cancer center:** Longer drive times negatively impact the score.
* **Availability of public **transportation**:** Limited options decrease the score.
* **Accessibility of ride-sharing services:** Inconsistent availability reduces the score.
* **Cost and availability of medical **transportation**:** Higher costs and limited availability lower the score.
* **Road conditions and weather considerations:** Poor conditions decrease the score.

**Recommendations for Residents and Those Considering Moving**

For residents of Rumford facing a breast cancer diagnosis, proactive planning is essential. This includes:

* **Assessing personal **transportation** capabilities:** Ensuring a reliable vehicle, considering winter driving preparedness, and assessing the ability to drive during treatment.
* **Exploring all **transportation** options:** Contacting local **transportation** services, researching ride-sharing availability, and investigating medical **transportation** options.
* **Planning for appointments:** Scheduling appointments strategically to minimize travel time and considering the impact of weather conditions.
* **Seeking support:** Enlisting the help of family, friends, or support groups for rides and assistance.

For those considering **moving to Rumford**, the availability of **healthcare access** is a crucial factor. The limitations in **transportation** options should be carefully weighed against the benefits of living in a rural community. Researching the availability of breast cancer care, including the distance to treatment centers and the available **transportation** options, is essential.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Rumford, Maine (ZIP code 04276) reflects the challenges posed by the limited **transportation** infrastructure. While the area offers a beautiful and peaceful environment, the long distances to specialized care and the lack of readily available public **transportation** create significant hurdles for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Careful planning, proactive measures, and a strong support system are crucial for navigating the healthcare system and ensuring timely access to treatment and care.

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Health Scores Near 04276, Rumford, Maine

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Health Scores in 04276, Rumford, Maine